Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Visiting Restrictions Lifted
By 250 News
Monday, June 09, 2008 10:15 AM
Prince George, B.C. - Northern Health has lifted visiting restrictions for the extended care and patient care units of Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, put in place after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness.
“Patients and staff have been free of new symptoms since late last week,” said Doctor
David Bowering, northwest medical health officer for Northern Health. “We are now able to declare the outbreak over and welcome back visitors.”
David Bowering, northwest medical health officer for Northern Health. “We are now able to declare the outbreak over and welcome back visitors.”
The outbreak began on May 26th; a total of five patients and at least 7 staff members fell ill. Laboratory tests by the BC CDC confirmed the presence of Noro virus; a common illness that can cause sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as cramping, chills and fever. These symptoms generally last from one to three days.
There are several ways to help prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illness in the general community, and to health facilities.
- staying at home if you are not feeling well;
- not returning to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved;
- careful hand washing: wash your hands often, and well. Use warm water and soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands after coughing or blowing your nose, after using the washroom, before eating or preparing food, and after helping someone who is ill (such as an ill child).
For more information about this or any other health-related issues, please call the BC NurseLine at 1-866-215-4700, or TTY at 1-866-889-4700 for the deaf and hearing-impaired. Registered nurses are available to provide health information and advice at any time. Translation services are available in 130 languages. For information on-line, please visit www.bchealthguide.org
Previous Story - Next Story
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.usReturn to Home
Posted by: tinyapplecork on June 9 2008 4:22 PM